scapegrace

[skeyp-greys] /ˈskeɪpˌgreɪs/
noun
1.
a complete rogue or rascal; a habitually unscrupulous person; scamp.
Origin
1800-10; scape2 + grace
Examples from the web for scapegrace
  • He pointed to a scapegrace three feet high, clad in a suit of cotton check of light blue.
British Dictionary definitions for scapegrace

scapegrace

/ˈskeɪpˌɡreɪs/
noun
1.
an idle mischievous person
Word Origin
C19: from scape² + grace, alluding to a person who lacks God's grace
Word Origin and History for scapegrace
n.

1767, from scape (v.) + grace (n.); as if "one who escapes the grace of God." Possibly influenced by scapegoat.